Dothan Trooper honored for saving woman from sinking car in 2023

Richard Everett
·2 min read

DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — An Alabama State Trooper in Dothan was honored by state officials for saving a woman who nearly drowned in a sinking car last year.

During the Houston County Commission meeting Thursday morning, Senior Trooper Spencer Adkinson was presented the 2024 Alabama Legislative Meritorious Service Award for “heroic lifesaving actions in the line of duty.”

“This award is not lightly given,” said State Representative Jeff Sorrells. “This is the highest commendation that the state recognizes.”

Sen. Trooper Adkinson was given this award for her actions in May 2023, when she jumped into a Houston County creek to save a woman from a sinking car.

Sen. Trooper Adkinson and Houston County Deputy Dustin Oswalt were on the scene of a vehicle crash on Highway 84 when another vehicle drove off the road, sped down an embankment, and crashed into Bear Creek nearby.

After realizing what happened, she and Oswalt immediately leaped into action, with Sen. Troopers Adkinson breaking the rear window of the quickly submerging car to communicate with the woman, who had a broken knee and could not escape by herself.

  • Photo of Deputy Dustin Oswald and Trooper Spencer Adkinson next to the crashed car. (Photo left-Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews, Photo right- Courtesy of Chris Judah)
    Photo of Deputy Dustin Oswald and Trooper Spencer Adkinson next to the crashed car. (Photo left-Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews, Photo right- Courtesy of Chris Judah)
  • Trooper Adkinson on the scene- Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
    Trooper Adkinson on the scene- Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
  • Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
    Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
  • Left to Right: Deputy Dustin Oswald and Trooper Spencer Adkinson on the scene- Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
    Left to Right: Deputy Dustin Oswald and Trooper Spencer Adkinson on the scene- Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
  • Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
    Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
  • Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews
    Courtesy of RickeyStokesNews

The Dothan-based trooper climbed into the vehicle to pull the woman out, and Oswalt assisted in getting her safely on the creek bank.

Sen. Trooper Adkinson was not the only state trooper to receive this honor during the commission meeting.

READ MORE HERE: Dothan Trooper recognized for saving critically injured 4-year-old in 2023 crash

Senior Trooper Christopher Carlton also received the Meritorious Service Award. He was commended for his efforts in February when he responded to a crash on Highway 84 and found a trapped driver and injured child.

Courtesy of Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney
Courtesy of Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney

Sen. Troopers Adkinson and Carlton were recognized for their heroic work in November 2023 with the Lifesaving Award from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

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